Friday, July 04, 2008

Blog Party#35: Chocolate Roundup

Hey there, and welcome to the post mortem, if you will, for Blog Party#35.

It was a heck of a night, even if I did have to spend it in a corner, wrapped in a protective bubble, so as not to pass on that nasty cold I was gifted with at the start of summer.

But everyone else? Oh, my...those ladies really had a good time. The music was cranked, the beverages were flowing, and I've been threatened with death by skewer if I ever reveal exactly how much chocolate was consumed here that night!!

I deccided that since it was a ladies bash (although the fellas are always invited), we needed seriously fun music.

Which is why I simply had to put on this perfectly-named disc, Girls Night Out

Funky, dance-y, music. And that, of course, led me to a couple of my favorite CD's, Pure Funk and Pure Punk 2

And if that doesn't make you happy, check for a pulse.

I also decided that with all that chocolate around, I really didn't want...or need...much else. What can compete with dozens of chocolate treats?

So, simple white plates to showcase the chocolate glory, but I had to add these napkins. No explanation needed, I hope.

As I mentioned, I think we can go minimalist with this party, but I couldn't resist grabbing a few of these voodoo doll as center pieces!

Despite getting ready to travel, Melody just had to stop by...it is chocolate, afterall!She brought another cake, this time a Chocolate & Peanut Butter Cake. Trust me, that didn't last long.Melody got creative, coming up with the BluePomTini, which...apparently...clears the cobwebs!

With the doorbell came Natashya, and I'm still craving her Chocolate Chip Cinnamon Rolls. Why is it so much fun to unwrap your food, anyway?And thoe Mocha Iced Capps...well, there's a reason chocolate recipes call for a teaspoon of espresso powder; it just goes so well together!

Deb came all the way from Hawaii (take me back with you?) with what is very much my kind of chocolate treat, the Barcelona Bite. Could that be more perfect?Keeping with the popular martini theme, she mixed hers up with Chocolate & Pear.

Y arrived next, and everyone fell in love with her adorable Lemon Pebble Cupcakes. Using gorgeous white chocolate, those little cakes were absolutely stunning. Despite the heat, her selection of Hot Chocolates were a big hit!

I knew the chocolate theme would bring a few past participants back to the fold, and Haalo made a rather triumphant return with her Dark Chocolate & Raspberry Mousse and luscious Cinnamon & Vanilla Hot Chocolate.

Despite being short on time, Holly still managed to rock our world with her nibble-icious Chocolate Bouchons. Perfect. And her Raspberry Shorts didn't last long, either...

Judith showed up next, and clearly ready to start this chocolate cocktail party, with her Whiskey-Peanut Fudge. Had to keep the kid away from that one!She also got creative with her Cherry Garcia Cocktail, which disappeared rather quickly.

J came rushing through the door after the party started, but I was in such a sinus-pressure-induced fog, I didn't even notice what time it was! And once we all saw her Cocoa-Dusted Chocolate Truffles to dip in a Rich Chocolate Fondue, any tardiness was forgiven.She also served up some Tiny Chocolate Magnums (perfect in this heat), and a gorgeous Iced Chocolate Drink...on an edible coaster. J knows how to make friends!

I mentioned I was sick, right? Nothing contagious, mind you, but out of it enough to not even realize that Lysy had been here the whole time!She got my attention, though, with her Chocolate Dipping Kebabs; and no worries, Lysy...we're a carpet-free home!She kept with the fruity theme, giving us an Orange & Rhubarb Cocktail...my floors can handle anything!

Despite that nasty head cold, I prepared a few chocolately wonders myself. First up, Avocado Salad Bites with Cocoa Nib Dressing. Tiny chunks of creamy avocado resting on a leaf of red lettuce and drizzled with lemon and cocoa nib.

Bites of chicken or Veat in mole (one of many ingredients: chocolate), served on blue corn chips.

Inspired by a dessert while lunching with Cath, tiny chocolate cookie crusts topped a creamy peanut butter filling and coated with a luxurious chocolate ganache. Dangerously good, which I why I'm glad others were around to eat them!!

So, that was it. Sorry it took so long to tell you all about it, but I'm still not entirely recovered from this thing.

It was a wonderful party, loaded with chocolate. And as we're already in July, we're officially celebrating Blog Party's three year anniversary!! I'll get this month's theme up in just a bit.

A big thanks to everyone who attended, and another one for your patience. Looking forward to seeing everyone back here in a few weeks to mark our 36th party!!

8 Thoughts for food:

Wow! That's a lot of chocolate! I love the mini cheesecakes, I have a mini pan that I have not used yet, you have inspired me. So many great dishes, great round-up. Hope you are symptom free and happy once more.

I am in chocolate heaven! Great round up and amazing pupus you made yourself--the avacado with chocolate nibs is amazing! You are welcome to come back with me to Hawaii anytime! Glad you are feeling better.

Deb...I've wanted to see Hawaii ever since my grampa first told me about his time on the islands during WWII. Of course, what I really want is a time machine so I can see it pre-statehood, without the commercialism!